Why Grace and Perfectionism Have Been on My Heart
Two of the hardest things to practice are giving grace and letting go of perfection—not just for others, but for ourselves.
For a few years now, this has been quietly reshaping how I live, what I prioritize, and how I heal. But it’s not simple. It's messy and ever-changing—kind of like the moving stairs in Harry Potter. What worked one day might not the next. The journey is real.
Learning Grace by Watching Someone Live It
When I met my husband, I saw grace in action in a way I hadn’t before. He doesn’t get it right all the time (none of us do), but his ability to pause and respond with understanding has stayed with me.
Grace isn’t passive. It’s not complacency. It’s an active surrender. It's choosing patience, letting go of control, and accepting what you can’t change—whether that’s in yourself or others.
Letting Go of Perfection—Without Letting Go of Standards
Perfection is tricky. I’ve always tied it to success. Maybe you have too.
Some things do call for precision—like when I used to decorate celebration cakes. But I’ve also seen beauty in letting go of perfection, especially in painting. Sometimes it’s the imperfect brushstroke that makes the piece sing.
Trying to be perfect all the time is exhausting. It steals your peace. It clutters your mind. It doesn’t leave room for laughter, joy, or play.
What I’m Practicing Now
Right now, I’m not offering a checklist—but here’s what I’m working on:
- Prayer when I feel myself spiraling into pressure.
- Patience when I don’t meet my own expectations.
- Simple reminders that I don’t need to be everything to everyone.
- Grace when I fall short again tomorrow.
Closing Words: Maybe You’re Here Too
If you’re struggling with grace or battling the pressure to be perfect—you’re not alone. I am too. And together, maybe we can learn to loosen our grip, take a deep breath, and create more space for peace.
